The Silver Ferns have opened their Quad Series campaign with a predictable thumping of South Africa in Adelaide tonight.

Although nowhere near a vintage display by New Zealand, they managed to ease to a 63-27 victory at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu used two lineups - one for each half - as she got all but Shannon Francois out on court.

South Africa's regular captain Amanda Mynhardt missed the match through injury, while New Zealand skipper Casey Williams was left to wait till the second half to make her 15-month international comeback from a knee injury.

Taumaunu also opted to leave shooting star Irene van Dyk out of the action early against her former country.

Cathrine Latu took the goal shoot bib alongside Maria Tutaia, with Bailey Mes handed her debut at wing attack, in a midcourt also comprising Laura Langman and Anna Harrison, while Leana de Bruin and Katrina Grant were given the defensive duties.

The Ferns made a somewhat sloppy start in the first quarter with three missed shots and six turnovers given up.

Silver Fern No 152 Mes looked nervous, while Latu netted nine from 11 but should have had more through the hoop had she not given the ball away four times.

Both goal keeps - Grant and Vanes-Mari du Toit managed to pick up four intercepts in the first stanza and the Ferns went to the break up 14-9.